Newcastle United need to make some positive moves over the final weeks of the summer transfer window. Right now, it is quite clear that this team is not good enough to be competing with the very best in the Premier League.
They finished 12th last season. On top of that, they have lost arguably their three best players in the form of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
Eddie Howe, the club’s long-time manager, chose to leave in the middle of pre-season as well. He has been replaced by the highly-rated, but somewhat inexperience, Matthias Jaissle.
Right now, Newcastle United need to strengthen all across the pitch. And it looks like their next addition might be to their backline.
Newcastle United agree deal with potential next signing
According to Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle United are in advanced negotiations with SL Benfica over Amar Dedic. The transfer fee being discussed is around €30-35 million
Dedic has agreed personal terms on a contract until 2031. The 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international right-back has a strong relationship with Jaissle.
Newcastle United do need strengthening in that right-back position this summer. Following recent exits, they are paper-thin in that position.
One cannot overlook Tino Livramento’s recent injury problems either. At the very least, they need to bring in someone capable of stepping into the starting XI any day. Dedic has the potential to be that kind of option for Jaissle.
Jaissle getting his say on Newcastle United’s transfers
If Newcastle United do end up completing the signing of Dedic, it would be a sign that Jaissle is getting his say on the club’s transfer activity already.
Of course, many might feel that should be a given. He is the head coach after all. But a lot of the time in modern football, coaches do not have the say that they used to have in the past when it comes to recruitment.
Dedic and Jaissle have worked together in the past at FC Liefering and RB Salzburg. So, this is most likely a move being driven by the German manager.
Of course, that does not mean that Dedic is not a top talent himself. At 23 years of age, he has already played for RB Salzburg, Marseille and Benfica. And he has 31 senior caps to his name for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
So, at least on paper, this looks like a very smart piece of scouting on the part of Newcastle United and Jaissle. Now, it remains to be seen if they can get the deal over the line.
